DOCUMENTS & DOWNLOADS

DOCUMENTS & DOWNLOADS

What to bring

As Outlook Travel specializes in small group safaris we normally have sufficient packing space for your luggage. We do however recommend that luggage be kept to a minimum when joining us on safari. Excess luggage can be stored at most lodges and hotels.

Cool comfortable clothing for the summer months.
At least 1 jacket or fleece regardless of the time of year.
Sandals and comfortable walking shoes if you plan on doing a game/bush walk while on safari.

Binoculars are essential.

Camera, preferably with a zoom lens. Swimwear

Hat and sunscreen, especially if you will be partaking on a game/bush walk.

Raincoat during the summer months which is the rain season.

Insect repellent

Torch/flashlight

Towel if booked on a camping safari

What not to be concerned about

All accommodation in the parks in malaria areas has mosquito netting in front of the windows and doors and mosquitoes are almost never found within the rooms.
The camps are well lit, but a torch/flashlight may be needed when returning to your bungalow from our dining area or a night drive.

All camps in the National Parks, with the exception of the bush camps, have a shop where basic toiletries can be purchased. These shops also sell snacks, beverages as well as souvenirs.
Most camps, with the exception of bush camps, have swimming pools.

All camps in the National Parks are fenced to keep animals from entering. There have however been a few incidents where dangerous animals have managed to get into a camp. Please be alert if walking around the camp at night.

The majority of private lodge are not fenced in - please be alert when walking around at night.

Guides

Our guides are all registered and qualified as Tourist/Field Guides and have a good knowledge of the areas we operate in.

Our guides are very familiar with the routes traveled while on safari. Please accept that they are well experienced in their field and will know which routes are best to travel and where the best areas are for seeing various animals species.

Although our guides have a good knowledge of their area, they are only human and do not always know the answers to everything.
The guides will always do their best to ensure all guests have an enjoyable safari, but it should be noted that often guests hold guides responsible for things out of their control. Please be fair to them, the guides are not personal servants.

Guides know best when dangerous encounters occur. Please adhere to their rules and guidance for your own safety.

Tipping

Tipping in South Africa is not compulsory, but is customary.

Restaurants waiters are generally tipped 10% of the bill.

Our guides and chauffeurs receive a salary and are not dependant on tips from guests, but please feel free to tip your guide / chauffeur if you have had an enjoyable experience while on safari and feel like he/she has made your safari memorable.

As a guideline we recommend guides/chauffeurs are tipped around 3US$ per person per day.

You should never feel pressured into tipping. Please also email us if you have any comments or suggestions you would like to make.

What to expect

Groups are generally averaged at 4- 6 individuals per safari but may be 10 at times.

It is important to remember that people come from different cultural and religious backgrounds and for this reason guests need to be as flexible as possible while on safari. Making friends with your fellow travelers will certainly help your overall experience of your safari.

The first and last day of your safari can in particular be long days as you need to get to and from the particular park.
While in the parks extensive game drives are conducted. These will be done in the early mornings and late afternoons. Depending on the group dynamics and everyone agreeing, there may be the option of doing game drives throughout the day. Your guide will however be able to give you the best advice on the day and will make the final decision.

Breakfasts and dinners are prepared out in the open. We feel that this is a much better way of experiencing the African bush than sitting in a restaurant. Please note that there may be times when guides will take you to a restaurant. This may be because of unforeseen circumstances such as rainy weather or late arrivals at camp.

For your own safety we prefer that guides do not drive into the night, and therefore ask your co-operation to ensure that time is not wasted unnecessarily.

Road conditions

South African roads are generally in a good condition and there should be no / very few delays.

Please note that animals do not have a preference for one or the other. Your guide will drive you where he/she feels that you will have most success at seeing a variety of animals.

While in the Sabi Sands, open 4x4 vehicles are used as this may be necessary for some of the roads in the area.

Participation & Meals

Our guests are not expected to participate with general chores, but guides work long hours and will appreciate any help they may get.

Guides will prepare all breakfasts and dinners and guests are never expected to do this. On our standard Kruger safaris, we have a full time chef on-site who will take care of all things culinary.

Should you have any specific dietary requirements, you are required to let us know on making you reservation.

Communication

An enjoyable holiday depends heavily on open and honest communication between yourself, the guides and your fellow passengers. Many problems have their root in lack of communication.
Most parks have good cell phone coverage and you should not have any difficulty making phone calls from the camps where you will be staying.

Please refrain from using cell phones while out on game drives in consideration of fellow passengers.
In an emergency please feel free to contact our office direct at +227 10 010 0140

Climate and Weather conditions

Summer – (October to March) is the rainy season for most of South Africa. Rainfall can mostly be expected in the late afternoons with warm to hot and humid day time temperatures. At times it may rain almost continuously for a few days.

Winter – (May – August) is the dry season for most of South Africa. Days are generally pleasant with clear skies and cool to warm temperatures. Night time and early morning can be chilly and it is advisable to have a jacket, fleece or at least one warm item of clothing.

The Western/Southern Cape is the exception, receiving its rain in the winter months.

Please remember that sunset/night drives during the winter months can be very cold. Be sure to take sufficient warm clothing with you on the drive.

Accommodation

Note that some safaris are only available as fully accommodated / Classic safaris.

Facilities vary from park to park & the information below should be seen as a guideline only. Camp specific information is available on request.

Classic Safaris make use of en-suite ‘rondavels’ (Circular bungalows). These all have air-conditioning, twin or double beds, and towels and soap is provided. Each rondavel also has a small fridge where drinks and snacks can be kept cool.
Families may be booked into ‘guest cottages’. These are more suited to families and consist of separate bedrooms, a small lounge area as well as a kitchen. Please note that the booking of this type of accommodation all depends on availability.

We have little to no control over the allocated accommodation upon checking into a camp. We will however always endeavor to have guests staying in the same standard of accommodation.

Budget Safaris make use of permanent Safari tents. These tents all have twin beds and towels and soap is provided. Each tent has a fan and a small fridge where drinks and snacks can be kept cool.
On all camping safaris (excluding Skukuza based camping) 2 man dome tents are provided, as well as a sleeping mat, pillow and a sleeping bag.

On a Skukuza based Kruger Camping Safaris, we make use of more spacious 2 man dome or cottage tents with twin beds, mattresses, pillows & sleeping bags. There is an electric light & plug point in each tent, as well as a fan.

Camping guests must please bring their own towels and soap.

Should there be anything within your accommodation which is not in working order then please notify your guide who will request that camp staff do the necessary repairs.

Photography

Please feel free to take as many photos as you like while on safari, unless advised differently by your guide for a certain reason pertaining to your safety.

Guides will always try and position vehicles in a way which allows for guests to take the best photos under the circumstances.

Please ask the guide to stop if you would like to take photos at any time. The guides will also stop at panoramic viewpoints along the route, to ensure you get the best scenic photo. Please stock up on memory chips (film) and spare camera batteries before departure, as these can be difficult to find en-route. 2GB Memory is recommended and if you are interested in photography we would recommend more!

All camps have electrical points where batteries and other equipment can be charged.

Medical

Guides should be informed of any medical conditions before the safari departs, preferably when making your reservation.

All necessary personal medication should be supplied by the client.
Basic medication can be bought en-route in all areas as well as at some of the camps in parks. Please confirm with your guide should you need anything.

Insect repellent is advised. This can also be purchased at some of the camps’ shops.

The Kruger Park and KZN Parks are in a malaria region and your doctor should be consulted for the necessary prophylaxis before you come on safari.